Redefining the meaning of average

by Ryan MacDonald
Editor in Chief

Average students are simply misunderstood. Outsiders criticize their insufficient efforts and insiders lack the motivation to change the stereotype. It is an unfortunate misconception, but no one has taken the time to change this common misunderstanding, until today.

My story goes like this: A high school teacher wrote a two­word phrase in my high school yearbook that has since motivated me to achieve more than he would have ever imagined me to.

He wrote,"Ryan: Try Harder."

He offered me no other words of wisdom and equipped me with no other inspirational adage that I could have taken away with me into the remainder of my life and higher education.

He left me deflated and defeated.

By writing these words, my teacher unknowingly propelled me to become a better student and human, and today I want to defend myself and set the record straight to that teacher and all of those other people who do not believe in students who only have the ability to achieve average accomplishments.

His words served as my motivation.

Sometimes it is difficult to manage everything that life presents. Just take my situation for example, how I run from place to place and from class to class without being able to dedicate myself to one particular piece of schoolwork or assignment.

Staying on top of homework and tests is not always at the top of my priority list. However, how I choose to live my life outside of the classroom does not reflect my intellectual capability.

Missing one class lecture or assignment does not warrant anyone's criticism toward me and my academic habits.

If I choose to relax (or party) during my nights, days, weekends, and mornings off, I can still show up to class the next day and dish the dirt with the most prepared students.

So, please, stop flaunting your intellect in my face.

See, I do value my education, but I also have come to realize that other things in life are also important.

Getting on the Dean's List and becoming valedictorian are impressive accomplishments, but I would much rather be engaging in countless other activites.

Let's be realistic here: biology class and discussion about the lecture should stay in Manerio Building.

I know that I am not alone on this bandwagon. 'My' people may not be as vocal as other groups (sometimes apathy consumes our personalities), but I know there are hundreds of people like myself who are slowly on the rise.

Soon, if we organize ourselves and find a prominent leader, we will rule the world.

And let us just say that if we (yes, I proudly admit to be a part of this demographic) were to have control over all worldly operations, daily life would be much less complicated.

(Hopefully, someday our country will even decide to elect a presidential candidate who represents our people...wait, maybe we already did that...maybe this is not such a great idea after all...)

Anyhow, let's get back to the point.

We would require fewer deadlines, procedures, and outlines. Structure would no longer be necessary, because we would place more importance on flexibility.

We would allow room for flaws and seams, and the final products of our undertakings may not be as polished as those efforts brought forth by more dedicated individuals, but we find our pride in finishing.

Simply completing the project is enough for us.

By being placed into this category, students are immediately identified as those individuals who are not good as others. But after all is said and done, I believe that the average, 'C' students will emerge as tomorrow's movers and shakers.

So as long as we do not allow ourselves to become consumed with apathetic thoughts our motivation will prevail.

It will be a battle, though, because even right now, for instance, I do not want to finish this assignment...

Ryan MacDonald, a senior journalism major, is editor in chief of the Campus Times. He can be reached by e-mail at macdonar@ulv.edu.